In this episode of Reefing Radio, Chris and Gareth strip reef keeping back to basics and ask a simple question: what do you genuinely need to run a successful reef tank?
From ATOs, flow and temperature control to test kits, live rock and backup equipment, we work through the gear and practices we think are truly essential. Along the way, we also challenge some of the hobby's biggest assumptions, including whether you really need to dip every coral and if clean-up crews are as important as they're made out to be.
Whether you're setting up your very first reef tank or rethinking how you run an established system, this episode is packed with practical advice, personal experiences, and a few opinions that might spark some debate.
As always, we'd love to hear what you think is essential... and what you'd happily leave out.
Support the show:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: @reefing_radio (https://www.instagram.com/reefing_radio)
📘 Find us on Facebook: Reefing Radio (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576445456312)
💬 Drop us an email at: reefingradio@gmail.com (mailto:reefingradio@gmail.com)
🎧 Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week
15 Jul 2026
Tank Updates, Heatwaves & When Reefing Gets Too Complicated
In this episode of Reefing Radio, Chris, James, and Gareth have a catch-up after a run of guest episodes. We chat about what's been happening in our own tanks, the lessons we've learned over the past few months, and how our approach to reefing is starting to change.
Gareth shares the plans for his brand new custom-built reef, explaining why he's finally replacing his ageing Red Sea tank, the thinking behind his bespoke wavebox design, and how he's aiming for a simpler, more natural-looking display with fewer coral species and larger groups of fish.
Chris talks through the recent heatwave, the challenges it's created for his SPS system, and why he's seriously considering moving away from an SPS-dominated tank in favour of something that's better suited to his lifestyle.
James gives an update on his thriving soft coral reef, including how higher temperatures unexpectedly accelerated coral growth, why he's embraced a more relaxed approach to reef keeping, and what happens when you simply let soft corals do their thing.
Support the show:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: @reefing_radio (https://www.instagram.com/reefing_radio)
📘 Find us on Facebook: Reefing Radio (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576445456312)
💬 Drop us an email at: reefingradio@gmail.com (mailto:reefingradio@gmail.com)
🎧 Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week
29 Jun 2026
Professional Aquarium Maintenance with MB Aquariums
In this episode of Reefing Radio, we're joined by Mark Bindefeld from MB Aquariums to explore the world of professional aquarium maintenance. Mark has built a successful business maintaining everything from tropical aquariums and reef tanks to large commercial displays, giving us a fascinating insight into a side of the hobby that most reef keepers never see.
We discuss what it's like looking after other people's aquariums, the types of clients who use professional maintenance services, and the biggest challenges of turning a passion for fishkeeping into a full-time career. Mark shares stories from the field, from emergency call-outs and holiday cover to rescuing neglected systems and maintaining high-end reef tanks.
If you've ever wondered what it's like to maintain reef tanks for a living, considered hiring a professional to look after your aquarium, or even dreamed of turning your own hobby into a career, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most interesting professions in the reefing hobby.
Find Mark and MB Aquariums:
🌐 https://mbaquariums.co.uk (https://mbaquariums.co.uk)
📸 Instagram: @thenewbiereefer (https://www.instagram.com/thenewbiereefer/)
📘 Facebook: MB Aquariums (https://www.facebook.com/MBAquariums/)
Support the show:
👉 Follow us on Instagram: @reefing_radio (https://www.instagram.com/reefing_radio)
📘 Find us on Facebook: Reefing Radio (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576445456312)
💬 Drop us an email at: reefingradio@gmail.com (mailto:reefingradio@gmail.com)
🎧 Subscribe to hear more reefing chat every week
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
4.8 / 5
17 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 7 / 100
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